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     Thursday the eleventh of July arrived and I sat with my wife in the waiting area at the clinic. I had mentally prepared myself for bad news in the belief that the shock would not be so great, but I still felt a cold shiver when my name was called.  When more than one person came into the consulting room I knew it wasn't going to be good news. The doctor was the one I had seen previously in hospital and she confirmed that the biopsy had proved their original suspicions correct. I had an advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. We were left alone for a few minutes to gather our thoughts after which the doctor and nurse returned to discuss what would happen next.

   I was being referred to the cancer clinic at Mount Vernon hospital for treatment assessment, and an appointment was made for the following Wednesday.  We were given various booklets concerning cancer and asked if we had any immediate questions. As is common with the receipt of shocking news, we were struck dumb and couldn't articulate anything sensible at that moment. Both medical staff gave us phone numbers which we could use at any time if we needed answers or just wanted to talk.  The one piece of good news I clung to was that they were sure my cancer was treatable.

   We were given the URLs for a couple of helpful internet sites but were cautioned  that such an emotive subject inevitably attracts more than its fair share of charlatans and quacks. Vulnerable people are willing to suspend rational  judgment and believe almost anything which claims to help their situation.  It is natural to be frightened when confronted with a serious illness, especially cancer, and believe what you want to believe. One piece of valuable advice which I can endorse is that a positive attitude will help sustain a patient through the traumas of treatment and recovery.

        It was clear to me that I should not overload myself with information before I was assessed and given the treatment options available so, I read enough to prompt some sensible questions and then waited for the appointment at Mount Vernon hospital.